This includes systems that do not meet the definition of community or nontransient noncommunity water system at start-up, but are designed to one day meet that definition. For example, a developer plats out 30 lots for homes in the development, but when the water system begins operation, there are only four homes hooked-up to the system. Obviously, the intent is for this water system to one day be large enough to qualify as a public water system; therefore, the developer must meet all the new water system requirements.

Community Water System - a public water system, which serves at least 15 service connections, used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents.

Nontransient Noncommunity Water System (NTNC) - a public water system that is not a community water system that regularly serves at least 25 of the same persons at such places as work places, offices, daycares, and schools for at least six months a year.

Technical Capacity: The physical infrastructure of the system, including but not limited to the source water adequacy, infrastructure adequacy, and technical knowledge. In other words, does your treatment system work the way it is supposed to? Are you providing the safest and cleanest water possible and required by law to your customers right now, and will you be able to in the future?

Managerial Capacity: The management structure of the system, including but not limited to ownership accountability, staffing and organization, and effective linkages. In simpler terms, do you have a capable and trained staff? Do you have an effective management structure?

Financial Capacity: The financial resources of the water system, including but not limited to revenue sufficiency, credit worthiness, and fiscal controls. Basically, does your system have a budget and enough revenue coming in to cover costs, repairs and replacements?

For more information, please contact the Drinking Water Program at (605) 773-3754.